(Update, Friday, Nov. 19 at 2:30 p.m.):
The Elberta Police Department has confirmed that an Elberta High School student who was involved in a fight with another student on Wednesday, Nov. 17 now faces second-degree assault charges. The charges came after an investigation by Elberta police officers.
It has not been confirmed if the student is in police custody. The investigation revealed no weapons were involved in the fight. The names of the students are being withheld due to their ages.
The fight happened on Wednesday at approximately 2 p.m. in the bathroom outside of the gymnasium. One student was airlifted to Sacred Heart in Pensacola as a result of a serious head injury sustained during the fight. He remains in the hospital, according to police reports.
(Original Story):
The Elberta Police Department is continuing its investigation into a fight at Elberta High School that resulted in a student being airlifted to Sacred Heart in Pensacola. The fight occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at approximately 2 p.m. in a school bathroom. Police officials announced they are now investigating the incident as a possible criminal case.
The names of the students involved in the fight have not been released at this time. Officials stated on Thursday, Nov. 18 that the hospitalized student was in “serious condition.” It has been released that the fight was between two male ninth grade students. The cause of the fight has not yet been determined.
If any students are arrested as a result of the investigation, they will be prosecuted as juveniles in juvenile court, said Baldwin County District Attorney Bob Wilters. So far, no arrests have been made. Interim Police Chief Brandon Booker believes the investigation will be completed on Friday or Saturday.
On Wednesday following the fight, Elberta High School Principal Branton Bailey released the following statement:
“The Baldwin County Public School System is committed to the safety of our students and further, being transparent with our parents. We wanted to reach out about an incident that happened this afternoon. We had a student transported to the hospital after an altercation here at the school. Life Flight was called and extra emergency personnel were on hand, as well.
“The Elberta Police Department is now investigating the matter. If any further updates are needed, you will hear from me. As they often do, rumors may start to spread and I encourage you to not participate in those. Confirmed information will be sent by me, the school system and/or law enforcement.”
